# Select Venous Analytes and Fibrinogen Determination Using Two Methods in Brown Pelicans

## TL;DR

This study establishes reference intervals for blood analytes in brown pelicans and finds that a specific fibrinogen test is not suitable for this species.

## Contribution

The paper provides updated reference intervals for venous analytes and evaluates the suitability of a fibrinogen test in brown pelicans.

## Key findings

- Reference intervals for various venous analytes in brown pelicans were established.
- The Abaxis VSPro equine fibrinogen cartridge is not suitable for measuring fibrinogen in brown pelicans.

## Abstract

The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is frequently impacted by both human activity and natural disasters, such as hurricanes, and is treated by rehabilitation centers. We have established normal values for juvenile brown pelicans at the end of rehabilitation to aid veterinarians and rehabilitation staff in determining if birds are healthy enough for release using analyzers readily available to these groups. We also attempted to validate a test for fibrinogen (Abaxis VSPro equine fibrinogen cartridge) in this species. Fibrinogen is a protein that can be used to measure inflammation. We found that that particular fibrinogen test is not a good way to measure fibrinogen in brown pelicans.

The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a species often affected by natural and man-made disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills, as well as general human activities; that subsequently receives medical care and rehabilitation. During rehabilitation, blood may be collected for various tests to help with diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. Reference intervals for this species are limited, dated, and typically from small sample sizes. Seventy-one presumed healthy brown pelicans were sampled as part of their pre-release examination from rehabilitation at the Wildlife Center of Texas after a large volume stranding from December 2014 to January 2015, and various venous analytes were measured to establish updated reference intervals for brown pelicans. Fibrinogen was measured via heat precipitation and the Abaxis VSPro equine fibrinogen cartridge to determine reference intervals and in an attempt to validate the VSPro for use in avian species. Abaxis VS2 Avian/Reptile Chemistry panel, iSTAT CG4+, and iSTAT Chem8+ results, in addition to body condition score, spun PCV, cloacal temperature, and fibrinogen were measured. Proposed reference intervals for brown pelicans are presented. Fibrinogen results were not comparable between the gold standard method and the VSPro, indicating that the VSPro is not appropriate for use in brown pelicans.